Heartburn is a burning feeling that occurs when your body’s lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or weakens, possibly as a result of acid reflux or other factors, it allows stomach acid to enter the oesophagus. The majority of people occasionally get heartburn after consuming large meals. But chronic heartburn is an indication of underlying medical conditions. That is why knowing what does heartburn feel like can help you get treated at the right time. Continue reading to find out about the symptoms and causes of heartburn.
What Does Heartburn Feel Like?
The most common symptoms of heartburn are as follows-
1. Burning Feeling in Chest
The primary sign of heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone, which is often described as rising heat. This unpleasant sensation is caused by stomach acid irritating the lining of the oesophagus. The burning can start low in the abdomen and rise up into the chest, neck, throat, and sometimes into the back. It tends to worsen after eating, when bending over or lying down, as stomach acid is more easily able to flow up into the oesophagus in these positions.
2. Acid Taste in Mouth
So, what does heartburn feel like? A bitter or sour acidic taste at the back of the mouth or throat is another common sign of heartburn, especially upon waking. This occurs when small amounts of stomach acid travel all the way up the oesophagus and into the back of the throat while lying down during sleep. The acid taste may be worse in the morning because there’s more time for stomach acid to reflux upwards overnight.
3. Persistent Cough
Chronic cough, especially at night, may indicate heartburn. Irritating stomach acid that backs up into the oesophagus can trigger coughing spasms to protect the airways. A heartburn related cough may produce shortness of breath or wheezing. Cough drops and asthma medications will not work for this type of recurring cough.
4. Difficulty Swallowing
Patients with acid reflux often feel like food is sticking in their throat or chest. This sensation is known as dysphagia. Chronic acid inflammation in the oesophagus causes narrowing and scarring, making swallowing difficult. Solids foods that require more effort to swallow may be more frequently problematic. The dysphagia tends to recur for most people.
5. Sore Throat
If you are wondering what does heartburn feel like, sore throat is another important symptom that you should not avoid. The sore throat is often described as a lump-like sensation that worsens when speaking or swallowing. Over time, chronic acid reflux can injure the larynx (voice box) and result in hoarseness or voice problems. Unlike a cold or flu sore throat, there is no fever or swollen glands present.
6. Regurgitation
Regurgitation refers to the backwards flowing (reflux) of acids and undigested food contents from the stomach into the oesophagus and mouth. The regurgitated stomach contents often have a sour, bitter taste. Regurgitation usually occurs shortly after eating a large meal or while bending over, straining, or lying down too soon after eating. Recurring regurgitation can cause bad breath, tooth erosion, and nutritional problems over time if left untreated.
Causes of Heartburn
Now that you know what does heartburn feel like, let’s check out the causes of it.
1. Inhaling Smoke
If you smoke or get in touch with someone who smokes, it can trigger the lining of the oesophagus. This can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate overproduction of stomach acid. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure provides tremendous digestive and wellness benefits.
2. Obesity
Excess weight puts abnormal pressure on the stomach and abdomen, which often disrupts the muscle valve separating the oesophagus from the stomach. A chronically relaxed valve coupled with increased gastric acid production enables fiery contents to backwash into the oesophagus, especially when bending over or lying down. Losing extra weight relieves strain for better valve closure.
3. Hiatal Hernia
This condition develops when the upper part of the stomach pushes up through an opening in the diaphragm muscle, allowing gastric acid to reflux more readily due to a compromised valve junction. Coughing, straining, pregnancy, and old age can trigger painful hiatal hernias.
4. Medications
Drugs like antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, pain relievers and sedatives often have the unintended side effect of relaxing the esophageal sphincter or triggering the esophageal lining itself. Many studies have found that blood pressure medicines can also cause acid reflux in some people.
5. Indigestion Issues
Carbonated drinks, high-fat or spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, onions, beans and gas-producing items may trigger indigestion by directly irritating the stomach itself. As the stomach churns, pressure forces gastric contents backwards into the oesophagus, causing pain and hot acid sensation behind the breastbone. Avoiding dietary triggers can prevent digestion issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is heartburn?
A: Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the chest or throat caused by gastric acid rising up from the stomach into the oesophagus.
Q: Is heartburn serious?
A: Occasional heartburn after meals is normal, but chronic heartburn may indicate GERD which might damage the esophageal lining and cause complications like cancer over time.
Q: How is heartburn diagnosed?
A: Doctors often diagnose heartburn based on symptoms and medical history along with tests like endoscopy or pH monitoring.
Q: How can I relieve heartburn at home?
A: Lifestyle changes like losing weight, avoiding trigger foods, quitting smoking and over the counter medications can help prevent heartburn.
Q: How is chronic heartburn treated?
A: Chronic heartburn is often treated with prescription proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole to powerfully suppress stomach acid production and allow the oesophagus to heal.
Q: Will I always have heartburn?
A: With appropriate lifestyle changes, medications, and treatment of any underlying causes, heartburn symptoms can be effectively managed.
Overview
This shall clear your doubts on what does heartburn feel like and its causes. Knowing the symptoms allows you to understand the underlying conditions causing frequent heartburn and you should consult with your doctor for long-term management like weight loss, hernia repair surgery, or prescription medications.